THE CORPORAL.—In appearance, the corporal is a
piece of linen cloth approximately 1 square foot in dimen-
sion. The corporal is folded twice, both vertically and
horizontally, with the cross appearing on its lower, center
piece. Unfolded and placed on the altar, it would appear like
the cloth shown in figure 3-52.
Figure 3-52.—The corporal cloth.
THE PURIFICATOR.—The purificator is a rectangular
piece of linen measuring roughly about 9 inches by 18 inches.
Placed on the chalice, it would appear like the cloth shown in
figure 3-53.
Figure 3-53.-The purificator cloth. It is
folded twice horizontally and again
forming about a 2-inch “V” at the top.
There is a cross in the center of the
“V.”
THE FINGER TOWEL.—The finger towel is a rectan-
gular piece of linen measuring approximately 4 inches by
8 inches. It is folded once horizontally and once vertically and
will usually have a cross on the lower edge. It is used to dry
the priest’s fingers after the ritual ablution at Mass. It should
appear like the cloth shown in figure 3-54.
Figure 3-54.-The finger towel. There is
usually a cross on the lower edge. It
would be set on the credence table just
as it is set in the drawer.
Roman Catholic Vestments
Roman Catholic vestments which may be used for Mass at a chapel
ashore are five in number (see figures 3-55 and 3-56). The vestments are
described in the following paragraphs in the order in which the chaplain
would put them on when vesting for Mass.
3-66
